Advantages of Inland Water Transport System

Cheap, safe and economical transport system is evident from following:

1 liter of fuel can take 1 ton of cargo upto 180 km over waterways as compared to 25 km by road or 75 km by rail. The saving in fuel and in foreign exchange is phenomenal and permanently recurring.

Cost of goods transport by water is cheap, less than half that by road.

Cost of developing waterways is 80% lower than cost of constructing highways.

Cost of maintaining waterways is marginal as compared to maintaining roads and railways.

Developed waterways have immense potential of creating new zones for industry and tourism.

Environmentally more friendly than road and rail network due to fuel usage and other related reasons: Lower emissions result in winning carbon credits, which translates into substantial savings in dollars.

All Provinces have autonomy to develop inland water transport under their jurisdiction after the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

No major land acquisition is required due to availability of river and canal corridors including their land banks.

Will be major impetus in providing investments and job opportunities in a huge new industry related to riverine transport needs and social uplift.

The most important advantage of this third inter-modal system is physical and social integration of the country which cannot be cost accounted.